China
Europe and China agree to take action on climate change and nothing else in tense Beijing summit. The EU and China committed to greater emissions cuts and green tech adoption in a joint climate pledge at a tense summit dominated by disputes over trade, Ukraine, and cyberattacks. Despite a €300 billion trade imbalance, both sides reaffirmed support for the Paris Agreement and COP30 goals. China agreed to expedite critical mineral exports, while the EU warned of expanding trade defense tools. Sam McNeil and Ken Moritsugu, Associated Press, July 24
U.S. commerce secretary says next week’s China trade talks could include TikTok. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that TikTok may be discussed during upcoming trade talks with China, despite not being on the formal agenda. If Beijing fails to approve ByteDance’s divestment deal, the app faces a U.S. ban by September 17. Lutnick emphasized American control over TikTok’s technology and algorithm as a precondition for its continued operation. Bochen Han, South China Morning Post, July 24
China calls for dialogue, consultation after Thailand-Cambodia border clash. China urged Thailand and Cambodia to resolve their border conflict through dialogue after deadly clashes erupted near two ancient temples. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun emphasized China’s impartial stance and commitment to promoting regional stability. He reaffirmed China’s readiness to support peaceful de-escalation, highlighting both nations’ importance as ASEAN members and friendly neighbors. Global Times, July 24
Japan
Ishiba stands his ground while intra-party split intensifies. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba denied reports of his resignation and asserted his intent to stay in office, even as internal Liberal Democratic Party factions intensified calls for leadership change following a string of electoral defeats. Prefectural chapters and rival lawmakers are pushing for a formal vote on his position before the Aug. 1 Diet session, while loyalists argue continuity is necessary amid upcoming political events. Takahiro Okubo, The Asahi Shimbun, July 24
South Korea
South Korea minister meets U.S. commerce secretary in effort to reach tariff deal. South Korea’s Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan met U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington, reaffirming a push to finalize a tariff agreement before the August 1 deadline. Pressure increased after Japan secured a deal with the U.S. including major market access concessions. Seoul plans to propose a $100 billion investment package involving firms like Samsung and Hyundai. Jack Kim, Reuters, July 24
Special counsel questions ex-interior minister in martial law probe. Former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min was questioned by a special counsel team over his alleged role in former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s brief martial law imposition in December. Lee is accused of ordering utility cuts to critical media outlets and collaborating with police following a memo from Yoon. Investigators are also examining claims of a second martial law plot involving top officials. Chae Yun-hwan, Yonhap News Agency, July 25
Ruling party lawmaker seeks to expel PPP lawmakers for blocking ex-President Yoon's detention. Rep. Park Chan-dae of the ruling Democratic Party introduced a resolution to expel 45 opposition lawmakers accused of obstructing the January arrest of ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol by forming a human shield. Park, a candidate for party leadership, condemned their actions as unconstitutional and detrimental to democratic governance. Expulsion requires approval from two-thirds of the National Assembly. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, July 25
India
Leaders Starmer and Modi hail long-sought India-UK trade deal as historic. Britain and India signed a landmark trade agreement that cuts tariffs on goods like Scotch whisky, gin, food, and textiles. The deal, signed at Chequers, is expected to boost annual bilateral trade by £25.5 billion by 2040 and deliver £6.8 billion in yearly gains to the UK economy. Both leaders emphasized deeper cooperation across defense, climate, and migration. Jill Lawless, Associated Press, July 24
Thailand
Thailand launches airstrikes on Cambodia as border clashes leave at least 14 dead. Deadly clashes erupted along the Thai-Cambodian border, killing 14—mostly civilians—and displacing over 4,000 people. Fighting intensified after a land mine blast injured Thai soldiers, prompting airstrikes and artillery exchanges. Each side accuses the other of aggression, with Thailand targeting Cambodian positions and Cambodia alleging bombings near a UNESCO site. The U.N. called for restraint as diplomatic ties deteriorated sharply. Jintamas Saksornchai and Sopheng Cheang, Associated Press, July 24
Myanmar
U.S. lifts sanctions on Myanmar junta allies after general praises Trump. The U.S. Treasury removed sanctions on Myanmar military-linked figures and firms two weeks after junta chief Min Aung Hlaing praised Donald Trump and proposed tariff and sanctions relief. The junta’s appeal followed a 40% U.S. tariff threat and highlighted Myanmar’s importance in rare earth supplies. Washington provided no explanation for the delistings. David Brunnstrom, Reuters, July 25
Laos
Laos, ADB ink $63 million package to transform agrifood systems. Laos and the Asian Development Bank signed a $63 million financing agreement to upgrade agrifood systems under the Sustainable Agrifood Systems Sector Project. The funding—comprising loans and grants from ADB, ASEAN, and EU sources—will enhance climate resilience, food security, and agricultural exports. The project targets key commodities and six provinces, delivering financial and technical support through banks and microfinance institutions. Vientiane Times, July 25
Cambodia
Hun Sen slams Thaksin Shinawatra over “warlike” remarks, accuses him of fueling Thai aggression. Former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen accused Thailand’s ex-leader Thaksin Shinawatra of inciting military hostility and bearing responsibility for escalating tensions between the two nations. In a Facebook post, Hun Sen described Thaksin’s comments as hostile and personal, citing past political betrayals and referencing the 2004 crackdown on Thai Muslims. Khmer Times, July 24
Senate condemns Thai aggression as pagodas reportedly bombed. Cambodia’s Senate denounced Thailand’s July 24 airstrikes as a grave breach of sovereignty after Thai F-16s reportedly bombed temples near the border, including Ta Mone Senchey pagoda, killing a Buddhist clergyman and injuring five civilians. The Senate affirmed Cambodia’s right to self-defense and urged international action, citing violations of the UN Charter and Cambodia’s lawful military presence in the affected areas. Niem Chheng, The Phnom Penh Post, July 24
Philippines
ICC defers ruling on Duterte release. The International Criminal Court postponed its decision on former President Rodrigo Duterte’s request for interim release, citing the need for additional defense materials. Judges Motoc and Alapini-Gansou supported the deferral, while Judge Flores Liera dissented. Duterte’s lawyers argue he poses no flight risk and should be released to a willing host country. He faces crimes against humanity charges over extrajudicial killings. Javier Joe Ismael, The Manila Times, July 24
Indonesia
U.S., Indonesia discussing strategic management of critical minerals trade, minister says. Indonesia and the U.S. are negotiating oversight mechanisms for the trade of strategic dual-use minerals vital to industries like AI, aviation, and space. The deal includes a tariff cut from 32% to 19%, with talks ongoing to further reduce rates, possibly to zero. Discussions also cover rules of origin and limits on third-party vendor involvement. Stefanno Sulaiman, Reuters, July 24
Indonesian govt accounts for US tariff in 2026 Draft State Budget. Indonesia’s 2026 draft budget includes projections based on the 19% U.S. import tariff on Indonesian goods. Finance officials cited improved manufacturing activity and revised economic growth estimates upward to over 5%. The tariff was part of a binding agreement between Presidents Prabowo and Trump. Macroeconomic assumptions for 2026 include 5.2–5.8% GDP growth and oil production targets. Author, ANTARA News, July 24
Taiwan
China appreciates South African moves to relocate, rename Taiwan 'offices': FM. China welcomed South Africa’s decision to withdraw recognition of Taiwan’s Pretoria office, relocate it to Johannesburg, and rename the Cape Town office, viewing the moves as upholding the one-China principle. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun praised the steps as consistent with UN Resolution 2758 and reaffirmed China’s commitment to mutual support in its strategic partnership with South Africa. Global Times, July 24
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan to broaden visa-free access under new draft resolution. Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs proposed expanding visa-free access to 56 countries for stays of up to 30 days per visit and 90 days in any 180-day period. Citizens of India and Iran would be permitted 14-day visits, while Turkish citizens could stay up to 90 days. The move supports economic diplomacy, tourism, and foreign investment, with over 7.5 million foreign visitors in early 2025. Fatima Kemelova, The Astana Times, July 24
Northeast Asia
Trump’s tariffs aren’t the only U.S. policy hurting South Korea’s economy. U.S. tariff threats are not the only challenge Korean firms face; Trump-era policy shifts are undermining $114 billion in Korean investment across clean energy, EV batteries, and semiconductors. Regulatory reversals, removal of subsidies, and new tariffs on copper and graphite are increasing costs and deterring future investment. Despite U.S. demands for further Korean capital, policy contradictions threaten joint economic interests. Troy Stangarone, The Diplomat, July 24
Taiwan and South Korea: bridging the cybersecurity gap. Despite facing millions of daily cyberattacks, Taiwan and South Korea remain disconnected in cybersecurity cooperation, creating a strategic vulnerability. Both countries are high-tech powerhouses with shared risks, especially in semiconductors and AI-driven threats. Existing strategies offer common ground for collaboration, yet diplomatic sensitivities hinder formal ties. Informal, pragmatic cooperation could bolster regional security and safeguard democratic resilience. Davide Campagnola, Geopolitical Monitor, July 24
Women lead China’s countryside comeback. Ethnic minority women in Guizhou Province are transforming rural China through entrepreneurship, blending traditional crafts with modern business. Initiatives like Yunshang Granary and Naobili Batik Cooperative have boosted income, cultural preservation, and female leadership. Despite structural barriers in credit, land rights, and gender-sensitive policy, these women reshape rural development, advancing inclusive strategies and challenging assumptions about gender roles in China’s economic revitalization. Zhengfu Chen, East Asia Forum, July 25
Electric vehicles, China, and the industrial strategies reshaping mobility in emerging economies. Emerging markets are seeing rapid EV adoption and production, with China playing a pivotal role through exports and investment. Countries like Indonesia and Brazil are balancing the risk of deindustrialization with efforts to localize EV supply chains. Success hinges on growing domestic demand, integrated value chains, and strategic policy mixes. The U.S. risks falling behind without addressing its competitiveness. Ilaria Mazzocco, CSIS, July 24
Southeast Asia
Trump’s tariff deal with the Philippines: all praise, little gain. President Marcos Jr.’s July 22 meeting with Trump yielded only a marginal tariff cut, lowering rates on Philippine exports from 20 to 19% — still higher than April’s 17%. While U.S. auto exports to the Philippines face zero tariffs, reciprocal benefits were lacking. The outcome highlights the Philippines’ weak negotiating leverage and underscores the need to diversify economic partnerships. JC Punongbayan and Aries A. Arugay, Fulcrum, July 24
Central Asia
From terrorists to trading partners: smoothing Kazakh-Afghan relations. Kazakhstan has expanded ties with the Taliban despite not formally recognizing their government, signing a $500 million railway deal and targeting $3 billion in trade. The shift follows the Taliban’s 2024 removal from Kazakhstan’s terror list, driven by commercial and strategic interests. Ongoing engagement, including high-level meetings, suggests recognition may be inevitable as Astana prioritizes regional trade routes and economic influence. Albert Otkjær, The Diplomat, July 24
South Asia
India’s Dalai Lama reincarnation dilemma. The Dalai Lama’s July 2 reincarnation announcement has intensified India’s long-standing challenge of choosing between two future claimants—one in China and one in Dharamsala—without inciting a crisis with Beijing. Rising China-India tensions, border disputes, and a weakened international Tibetan movement amplify the stakes. New Delhi must support the Dharamsala claimant while managing fallout from Beijing. Ivan Lidarev, The Diplomat, July 24
Racing against time for an EU–India trade deal. The UK’s May 2025 trade agreement with India has heightened urgency for the European Union to finalize its own deal or risk economic and strategic decline in the Indo-Pacific. The UK’s FTA grants broad market access and sets high standards on digital and labor provisions, placing EU firms at a disadvantage. With India’s economy rising and geopolitical stakes increasing, swift EU action is essential. Sangeeta Khorana, East Asia Forum, July 24